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Moving Up Class of 2026
Academics
Middle School
The Magnitude of Middle School
In 6th-8th grade, students are developing habits of mind and solidifying their attitudes toward school. Given that crucial reality, our Middle School fosters our students' love of learning as they build strong academic and social skills. Lessons are lively and engaging, built around critical thinking and discussion, collaboration with peers, and projects that inspire active exploration of real-world challenges and problems.
The city is our classroom – and students learn through frequent field trips and guided experiences in the world outside Burke. Our 1:1 tablet program enhances learning, researching, and presenting and helps teach 21st century skills, such as digital and media literacy, coding, design thinking, and global connectivity.
News & Events
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Science & History Come to Life
Sean F. reports, "6th graders took their capstone trip to Virginia to visit historical and scientific sites and wonders from May 16-18." First stop was the Science Museum of Virginia, where they experienced "Speed," saw live chemistry demonstrations, and learned about about how engineering builds the world around us.Read More -
From History to Today
For the first time since 2019, the 8th grade traveled to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama, for a four-day immersion in the Civil Rights Movement in the American South. On the first day, students and teachers visited the 16th St. Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and Bethel Baptist Church, before meeting with Civil Rights speakers Dr. Martha Bouyer and Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, who survived the 1963 bombing.Read More -
Around the Bay & Above the Ground
On Friday, April 21, each Middle School grade engaged in trips and excursions tied into a component of the curriculum – ranging from ecology to 3-D art to the Civil Right Movement.Read More -
Cooking & Conjugating
Mónica's Spanish 7/8 class marked the conclusion of a unit on foods and irregular verbs by making tamales!Read More -
6th Grade Rock Stars
Read MoreEarlier this month, 6th grade scientists began their geology unit with a rock-seeking excursion in the shallow waters of Rock Creek, west of Connecticut Avenue. After discussing the formation of the landscape, students found a comfy spot for a read-aloud of Byrd Baylor’s Everybody Needs a Rock. -
In The Aisles of IKEA
Read MoreFor the first time since 2019, the 7th graders took to the aisles of IKEA (with a stop at the restaurant for meatballs) for their Tiny House projects. -
Technology in Middle School
We are proud of our one-to-one iPad program, which improves the effectiveness of teaching and enhances learning. Teachers use apps like Notability, DoInk Animation, and Socrative, which help teach note-taking, organization, research skills, and how to create multimedia demonstrations of their learning.Read More -
“Moving Up” 2022
Read MoreAs is the 8th grade tradition, our 31 members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the Theatre on Tuesday, June 7, to celebrate the conclusion of Middle School and mark the start of High School – through a ceremony that they had conceptualized and planned together throughout the spring, with guidance and support from Amy C. and Susan H.Brooklyn M. '26, Hilliard N. '26, Jay B. '26, Lina B. '26, Taylor S. '26 and Zuri K. '26 shared the hosting duties – and brought all the requisite flair and quips.
Student speakers were Brooklyn, Jay, Mel A. '26, Rahaf A. '26, and Taylor, and the Middle School band performed three songs (pictured below), concluding with "Lean on Me."Onwards to High School, Class of 2026. -
Year-End: Middle School Community Days
What do the final weeks and days of the school year at Burke look like? Here's a glimpse.Read More -
"High School Musical:" Middle School Edition
On the first weekend in June, our Middle School brought Disney's High School Musical Jr. to the Greenberg Theatre at American University.Read More -
Hearts & Minds & Hands
A tactile, multi-sensory approach to science and health education extends across grade levels.Read More -
Sean's The Business of Hope
The Business of HopeRead More
by Sean Felix (MS Dean of Community / 6th Grade Core)
Presented in the final Faculty & Staff meeting before winter break. -
We Can Work It Out
At Burke, 6th-8th graders have a 75-minute PE class every other day. With a gym renovation in progress, the PE department has taken a varied approach this fall – from maximizing outdoor time to partnering with Golds Gym on Connecticut Avenue to getting creative on a chilly day.Read More -
Back on the Road
Thanks to Burke's proximity to the Metro, trips to DC's numerous museums, historical sites, and natural resources are woven into the curriculum.Read More -
Placing Words & Sculpting Ideas
While learning to understand and interpret literature in 6th Grade Core, students also explore the etymology, style, and power of words.Read More -
Science: On the Trail & In the Lab
Earlier this month, Kelly W.'s 6th Grade Science class ventured down Connecticut Avenue and over to the Melvin Hazen Trail for a hands-on study of erosion during their hydrosphere unit, while Morgan G.'s Conceptual Chemistry class took a hands-on approach to the Law of Conservation of Mass.Read More -
Susan's Top 10
After more than 25 years at Burke, both as an English teacher and a parent of two alumni, Susan has taken the helm of Grades 6-8 this year. At this January's Open House, Susan shared her "top 10" with prospective families, illuminating just what makes Burke's Middle School program special and joyful.Read More -
Welcome to Middle School
From a speech delivered in September 2020Read More
Welcome, everyone. I am Susan Hearn, Dean of the Middle School. This is my 28th year at Burke. I teach 7th grade Language Arts. I am also the proud parent of two Edmund Burke graduates, classes of 2014 and 2016.
Explore Our Curriculum
Our Vision
We believe the world is diverse and dynamic. Through experiences that foster creativity, self-discovery, and wonder, our Middle School students cultivate the skills and habits of mind they need to become critical thinkers and passionate learners.Burke students learn to collaborate with others and excel as individuals, ready to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges of the future. We empower global citizens to change the world.
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6th Grade Core - June 2022
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Founders Day - May 2022
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World Language Fair Prep - May 2022
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7th Grade on the Terrace - Spring 2022
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Bengal Madness - Feb. 2022
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8th Grade Values & Ethics - Winter 2022
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6th Grade Science - Dec. 2021
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6th Grade in Rock Creek - Oct. 2022
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8th Grade Health - Sept. 2022
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7th Grade Science - Sept. 2021
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Middle School Leadership Team
List of 3 members.
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Amy Cataldo
MS Dean of Special Programs/Co-Director of Leadership Development/HVE Dept Chair/MS Science and HS HLeMoyne College - BA
College of William & Mary - M.EdYear Appointed: 2001 -
Sean Felix
MS Dean of Community / 6th Grade CoreGeorgetown University - BA
Graduate Theological Union - MAYear Appointed: 2010 -
Susan Hearn
Head of Middle SchoolUNC Chapel Hill - B.A.
University of Florida - M.A.Year Appointed: 1993
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914